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VOL. 11, ISSUE 2 (2026)
Molecular and biochemical reprogramming in Phytoplasma-Infected plants: Advances in host–pathogen interactions and metabolic regulation
Authors
Shoeb Ahmad, Shazia Bi, Akil Ahmad Khan
Abstract
Phytoplasmas are obligate, phloem restricted bacterial pathogens that
cause severe physiological/biochemical disruptions in a broad spectrum of
economically important plants. Recent developments in molecular biology, omics
technologies, and plant pathology have greatly helped to improve our knowledge
of phytoplasma-induced metabolic reprogramming. This paper critically reviews
and builds upon the classical knowledge of phytoplasma pathology using the
recent information on host-pathogen interactions with a special focus on
biochemical changes, signaling pathways and molecular regulation mechanisms.
Phytoplasma infection causes a massive reorganization of plant metabolism,
which includes carbohydrate buildup, hormonal imbalance, disturbance of
photosynthesis, and alteration of the production of secondary metabolites.
Alterations in structure (deposition of callose in sieve elements and
ultrastructural deformation of chloroplasts) are antecedents of the appearance
of visible symptoms (stunting, chlorosis, and floral abnormalities). Recent
transcriptomic and metabolomic investigations imply that the expression of host
genes and metabolic pathways are controlled by effector proteins and that such
pathogens manipulate host gene expression and metabolic pathways. The review
also sheds light on new evidence on sugar signaling, reactive oxygen species
(ROS) dynamics, and disruption of amino acid transport as key elements of
disease progression. Moreover, phytoplasma infection has been demonstrated to
cause considerable changes in secondary metabolism such as phenolics,
alkaloids, and polyamines, which could have a role in the defense of a plant or
the expression of symptoms. The new point of view is outlined on recovery
mechanisms with special attention to systemic acquired resistance (SAR),
oxidative signaling, and calcium-mediated pathways as the main determinants of
plant resilience. These observations highlight the intricacy of phytoplasma
pathogenicity and point to potential targets to develop sustainable disease management
strategies. In general, this work will be a synthesis of biochemical and
molecular response in phytoplasma-infected plants that will be comprehensive
and up-to-date.
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Pages:230-240
How to cite this article:
Shoeb Ahmad, Shazia Bi, Akil Ahmad Khan "Molecular and biochemical reprogramming in Phytoplasma-Infected plants: Advances in host–pathogen interactions and metabolic regulation". International Journal of Botany Studies, Vol 11, Issue 2, 2026, Pages 230-240
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